Needlework Tools

19th Centruy Thread Stand

I've been cheating on my quilting time.

Although I have had a summer rich in quilt study, I have been spending more time with my collection of antique needlework tools.

There is a Facebook page, Antique and Vintage Sewing Tools.  It is a closed group, but you can request to join in the sharing and fun.  I resisted FB for a long time - and still use caution.  I will continue blogging!

This is a thread stand I posted there.
19th Century - original pin cushion cover.
Three small legs.  A wonderful old American piece.

German made scissors, strawberry emery and silk thread spool added for the photo op...

Silk thread - Queen Stitch

I have also been doing some counted thread embroidery.  This long term project is an online class by Jackie, from It's Fine-ally Finished.  This is all queen stitch on 36 count linen - so one queen is 1/9th of an inch.  This section is the bottom of a tiny shoe thimble holder.

I completed the silk box that holds all of the pieces.  I went long too and purchased the scrimshaw accessories and Dovo scissors.

The rest of the hand embroidery is completed and I see my self finishing the assembly on a snowy day this winter.

The set is all embroidered in silk threads.

It's Fine-ally Finished Petit Trianon

This is part of the set, you can see how many little pieces I have yet to assemble.  With Jackie's classes she provides all the materials, instructions and support to finish the complete set.

She even surprised us with a beautiful cameo and accessories to make a handkerchief holder. BONUS!  and oh, so wonderful!

This session is closed but she has many great upcoming classes and events.



I've also been working on applique projects I will be sharing soon!  Not to mention the pieced graduation quilt that MUST get done...stay tuned.

Have a great week!
Dawn

Pennsylvania Patchwork Pillowcases and Other Small Treasures

Hardcover - Full Color

I have not been sewing, I've been reading.
When a new book arrives - I have to read it - I could not put this one down!

Pennsylvania Patchwork Pillowcases and Other Small Treasures focuses on a rare subset in quilt heritage - patchwork pillowcases by German immigrants in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

The book includes 300+ color photos, including high resolution detail photos of rare pieced and applique pillowcases from museums and private collections.

Ann has lived in the Philadelphia area for 25 years and has an incredible personal collection of Pennsylvania antiques.
In addition to her book, Ann is available for lectures HERE.
Her event in Southern California quickly sold out!

Inset photo take from inside page

I love to see applique grapes in antique quilts.

This is an example of just one closeup in the book.  (However, it is my bad photo of the page)
You can see the detail of every hand stitch.
Almost as good as seeing the pillowcases in person - reading the antique personal notes,
studying the glorious fabrics and examining construction techniques.
The last chapter in the book - Small Treasures - could be a spin off for another book!
I love small textile items.

A pair from my collection

I pulled out a pair of pieced pillowcases from my collection.

Not as old or intricate as those in the book, but still fun.  Kind of quirky and fun!

I have been making pillowcases from leftover fabric for each of my quilts, but nothing as wonderful as shown in the book.

Pennsylvania Pillowcases has inspired me to up my game - make more detailed and historically accurate sets.


You can order a copy of the book from Ann  HERE.
She has an option for you to have your copy autographed!






I have done an applique doll bed pillowcase in traditional Pennsylvania prints.

It is applique with a reproduction chintz print on the back.

Do you have any pieced pillowcases or have you made them?
We would love to hear about them.

Have a great week!

Dawn

 

Time Flies

14,264 Elevation - Arapahoe National Forest

Time flies when you are having fun!

We have had a wonderful summer filled with company - and adventure.

There was fabric study, quilts, great food, road trips and a little mountain riding...not all with the same groups.

This is the Mount Evans summit 2014 picture.
I am sorry to say I don't bike, I drive the support car and take pictures.  This year we hosted 5 riders - the most enthusiastic being our son.  Rumor has it 2015 is already being planned.

We did see more wild life this year.  The mountain goats, big horn sheep and marmots were out.  The sheep and goats can make the roads even more dangerous.

Velma was a little shy with all the extra attention

Now that company is gone we are changing gears.  I plan to get back to more stitching and more regular blog posts.  I have some new projects to show you.
I missed posting the winner of the drawing for the Denver Art Museum book, "First Glance - Second Look" exhibit companion guide.  So sorry!

Congratulations Janet from Mrs. Sew N Sew - please contact me with your address.

Have a great week!
Dawn

Matilda's Son Daniel Block Set 8

The eighth block set is posted HERE.
Actually, it is always posted before the first of the month - I know so many of you like that!
This months set includes four more blocks:  Potted Flowers, Turkey Track Variation, Branching Bouquet, Hearts & Buds

I bet you can find the four blocks in this grouping.  This photo has the first eight months of blocks laid out randomly.  They will not be set in the quilt this way.

Daniel Durbin Boyce was the son of Noah and Matilda.  I have two different resources that put Daniel's birth within a five year span.  One has him born in 1837, the other 1832.  Hand written census records could easily mistake a 7 and a 2.  Daniel seems have the most information written about him.  (Daniel's middle name is French in origin - and you may recall Noah and Matilda named a daughter Paris)
One record has him listed as the fifth of eight children.  I found information on 13 of Matilda's children, four who died as infants.    I will write more on the other children in another post.
Another discrepancy is when the family migrated from Kentucky to Illinois.  One record I have shows 1835, the other 1838.  It could be Noah came first with an older son, Thomas and the family, including Daniel came later.

Danial D. Boyce Married Sarah Catherine Maddox, May 20, 1857 in the Methodist Episcopal Church in Lafayette County, Missouri.  They had two children:  Ida and Elizabeth.  Elizabeth passed away in 1862 or 1863 - depending on which record is correct.  Daniel married Nancy Josephine Baldwin.

Daniel D. Boyce is listed as a Lieutenant, Third Provisional Regiment in the Civil War (Union) in the Missouri Home Guard.  I was able to find records of his service in the Missouri State official records through at least 1864.  Did his first wife, Sarah Catherine die when he was away at war?  
More on Noah, Matilda, Daniel and the rest of the family in another post.

Velma loves red and green

In the meantime - here's Valma - with her very favorite red and green balls trying to distract me for some play time.

It is not too late to join in making your own Noah and Matilda quilt.  Click HERE to start or continue!

Have a great week - I hope it includes some stitching time!

Dawn